Start: Wed 22 Jul, 2026 10:00 End: Wed 05 Aug, 2026 12:00
Location: A free, three-part online workshop held over three weeks
Presented by: Janet Klees, Selena Blake
This three-part online workshop is designed to help families feel confident when introducing their family members with disability.
What should you be mindful of, and what can you focus on to help people see your loved one’s strengths and connect through shared interests?
We’ll explore the power of strength-based language and how the words we use can shape how others see, treat, and value our loved ones.
“Very helpful as a reminder to keep thinking and talking about family members using positive role-based language”
Guest speakers: Janet Klees and Selena Blake
Workshop 1
- Wednesday, 22 July 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 pm AEST
- A theory session with Janet and Selena, laying the foundations of strength-based introductions that can lead to greater inclusion, more opportunities, and stronger connections.
Workshop 2
- Wednesday, 29 July 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 pm AEST
- A practical interactive session designed to put what you have learned into action.
Workshop 3
- Wednesday, 5 August 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 pm AEST
- A practical interactive session designed to put what you have learned into action.
The power of positive introductions is part of a larger workshop series called Imagining Better. The four workshops in this series include:
- Vision: Imagining the future with hope and purpose
- The power of positive introductions: 22 July, 29 July, and 5 August
- Building a context for relationship: 2, 9, and 16 September
- Rethinking supports and funding: 14, 21, and 28 October
When you register for this workshop, you can choose to attend the others as well.
Good to know
- Due to the interactive nature of this series, there is a limited number of places available.
- This workshop will not be available as a replay. Please only register if you can attend all three sessions.
- This workshop is free to attend as it is fully funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency through a Peer Support and Capacity Building grant.
- This series has been designed for families. If you are an educator or support professional, please contact Anne at anne@imaginemore.org.au
- When you register for this workshop, you’ll be invited to register your interest in the rest of the Imagining Better series, which will take place throughout the year.
“Thank you, Imagine More, for continuing to push the boundaries of what we think we know and exploring new territories in our world and of our minds. Exploring and addressing the social barriers to help our children and young people reach out for support and assistance. Encouraging us to be brave in breaking new ground to bring about a better life into everyday living. To reach the good life that all people deserve and seek. Thank you and keep doing what you all do.”
Meet the Speakers
Janet Klees
Janet Klees has been involved in the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and community allies for about 40 years. For nearly 10 years, Janet has been the Executive Director of the Durham Association for Family Resources and Support (DAFRS) in a region near Toronto, Canada. DAFRS works in partnership with families to imagine, plan, and implement good lives in the community for people with disability. They utilise a principled, family-led, one-person-at-a-time, and SRV-anchored approach.
Prior to this, Janet coordinated the family-governed Deohaeko Support Network of seven families for over twenty years. She credits this work for giving her much of her practical experience.
Janet is a talented writer and has published three books directly rooted in the Deohaeko experience (We Come Bearing Gifts, Our Presence Has Roots, and Deohaeko Decades). She also writes various articles and other documents to support her work and thinking.
Janet continues to meet, share and learn with families and their chosen organisations in many parts of the world, with a focus on
- principled strategies to bring about roles, relationship, and places of belonging
- working together with families in real partnership, and
- helping families to build powerhouse support teams and welcoming, inclusive communities.
Selena Blake
Selena Blake is known for walking alongside people with disability and families who strive to build good, full lives anchored in community. She is a co-creator of initiatives spearheaded by families and community members. She also mentors others who want to journey with families in everyday, ordinary ways.
For over seventeen years, Selena has worked on social justice initiatives that consider the complexities of intersectionality. She is currently the Director of Family Support for the Durham Association for Family Resources and Support. Here, she guides young families in building and sustaining circles of support and networks.
